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Job outlook for features editors in the United States
Features editor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected features editor job growth rate is -5% from 2018-2028.
About -5,500 new jobs for features editors are projected over the next decade.
Features editor salaries have increased 11% for features editors in the last 5 years.
There are over 29,165 features editors currently employed in the United States.
There are 11,748 active features editor job openings in the US.
The average features editor salary is $59,420.
Are features editor jobs in demand?
Features editor job and salary trends over time
Features editor jobs over time
Features editor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 29,165 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 30,673 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 31,527 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 31,455 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 31,829 | 0.01% |
Average features editor salary over time
Features editor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,420 | $28.57 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $57,517 | $27.65 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $55,746 | $26.80 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $55,080 | $26.48 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $53,618 | $25.78 | +2.1% |
Features editor jobs by state
Most common states for features editors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 213 | 31% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 308 | 5% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 28 | 5% |
| 4 | New York | 19,849,399 | 816 | 4% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 365 | 4% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 287 | 4% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 174 | 4% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 30 | 4% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 197 | 3% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 51 | 3% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 21 | 3% |
| 12 | Vermont | 623,657 | 20 | 3% |
| 13 | California | 39,536,653 | 871 | 2% |
| 14 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 259 | 2% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 208 | 2% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 174 | 2% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 105 | 2% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 78 | 2% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 28 | 2% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 20 | 2% |
Most common cities for features editors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $73,287 |
Features Editor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of features editor experts
California State University - Sacramento
The University of Findlay
Western Kentucky University
Georgia State University
Montclair State University
New Mexico State University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Our Lady of the Lake University
American University
Butler University
University of Oregon
Furman University
California State University, Fresno
University of Pittsburgh
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Lincoln University
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Luther College
Colorado Public Radio
Viola Ardeni
Assistant Professor & Italian Language Area HeadCalifornia State University - Sacramento
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Viola Ardeni: To recent graduates in any field, I would recommend making sure they are doing two things: 'Ask questions' and 'Show up.' In the Romance languages, literatures, and linguistics field, asking questions may mean asking for a long of informational interviews, even in places where there are no current jobs openings. You never know what you will learn from talking to someone who is working and has your same degree. Asking questions also means to be present, aware, and critical. Showing up may instead mean trying different things. Besides teaching, there is no clear job following degrees in Romance languages etc. (and even 'teaching' includes a variety of jobs), so taking advantage of different opportunities may come in handy.
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Viola Ardeni: The editing of texts produced by others, above all. Being good editors will be crucial. In addition, to the ability to summarize in short, easy bit very large and complex amounts of information, possibly coming from different linguistic sources. Diplomacy seems also increasingly useful, however you interpret it and wherever you stand politically. Because of the world's areas where Romance languages are mainly used, the political issues associated with those areas, and the lack of institutional support for studies in Romance languages, literatures, and linguistics in the United States, the ability of being diplomatic in navigating people, committees, donors, stakeholders, speakers, etc. is and will be important.
What will help Features Editors increase their earning potential?
Viola Ardeni: Negotiate your job offer, even where your position is represented by a labor union (you may negotiate other perks and benefits). I would also recommend considering extremely carefully whether a higher degree in the field (master's or PhD) would enhance your options for a higher salary. The mental, emotional, and financial cost of graduate studies may not make it worth it, if the primary objective is earning more money.
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Amy Rogan: Many think that journalism is dying when in actuality is evolving. There are so many media sites out there that are not actual journalism and yet, our society needs real journalism now more than ever. Misinformation and disinformation spread so quickly, it contaminates the media landscape. But we need journalists willing to build their reputation and their audience so that trained professional journalists drown out the fiction or infotainment.
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amy Rogan: Journalists do a number of things and no two days look alike. Journalists need to have sound, solid news judgement and know their audience and what their audience needs to know. They pitch stories to their editors, producers, or managers, then they research their story topic, find the appropriate interviews and set those up. Once they complete the interviews and gather all their research they then have to craft a story that captures the readers’ or viewers’ attention and serves the community. Typically, that is just one day of work unless you’re working on a special project. Multimedia skills are in high demand because journalists are on so many platforms these days. You need to know how to write for print, digital, and broadcast. And, if you know how to shoot and edit video as well as write, your name goes to the top of the list.
What will help Features Editors increase their earning potential?
Amy Rogan: People working in journalism probably most dislike the hours and the pay but it’s truly one of the most rewarding fields to work in. It can be stressful but also exciting and challenging. Whether at the local level or a larger stage, it’s truly a service to your community to provide vital information.
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Professor Mac McKerral: Producing quality journalism is not easy. It’s hard work and requires a variety of skills, all of which contribute to quality journalism. The writing, reporting and editing must all be in balance and strong. Anyone can be a journalist these days. But not everyone should. Continue to learn on the job. Find a good mentor/editor and milk that individual for everything he or she can offer. If you want to write about yourself rather than others, seek a different career. Your first job might not be your ideal job, but it will be the ticket to your ideal job. Approach every assignment, regardless of how menial, as if it is the most important story ever. You cannot pick and choose what you want to do well. Anything you report will impact someone. Always remember that. Develop a visceral hate for mistakes. Know what your ethical line in the sand is before you are faced with an ethical conundrum. Understanding where you stand before making ethical decisions will enhance your chances of making the right choice.
What will help Features Editors increase their earning potential?
Professor Mac McKerral: Produce quality work for student publications while in school. Do multiple internships. Hold onto and use what you are taught in school. Be capable of doing anything needed: A/V news gathering and editing; visual work; editing; basic design. Be self-motivated and take initiative. Show a wiliness to learn.
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Helen Cauley Ph.D.: The need for people who can tell accurate, engrossing stories in a variety of media is increasing. That means being able to write concisely, speak with authority and take photos/video/sound that engage an audience. Don’t expect to have a camera crew or editor at your elbow. The more proficient you can be in mastering those tasks, the more valuable you will be.
Associate Professor Thomas Franklin
Associate Professor, Multimedia JournalismMontclair State University
Radio, Television, And Digital Communication
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Associate Professor Thomas Franklin: In the media industry, making substantial income right from the start can be particularly challenging. However, by cultivating a strong network, seeking guidance from mentors and sources, and securing top internships, you can enhance your prospects of landing a position at a solid media outlet, where earning potential may be greater. I believe strongly in having several side hustles at all times. By maintaining side hustles, it can provide supplementary income and also be a way to nurture your passion if your main gig is not doing it for you. For early career professionals, I advocate prioritizing skill development and pursuing your passions, rather than fixating solely on monetary gain. Instead of focusing on immediate financial rewards, concentrate on gaining valuable experience and recognition for your work. While this may require patience, it ultimately lays a solid foundation for long-term success. In the grand scheme of things, prioritizing experience and long-term growth over immediate financial gain is solid advice when trying to build a sustainable career in the media industry.
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Associate Professor Thomas Franklin: In the area of multimedia storytelling, versatility is paramount. Much like a Swiss Army knife, having a diverse skill set is invaluable. While it's beneficial to cultivate expertise in a specific area, especially as you progress in your career, starting out often calls for a broader approach. Exploring a range of skills and interests allows you to discover your true passion before committing wholeheartedly. Once you've identified your passion, devote yourself to it wholeheartedly and strive to become an expert. However, don't overlook the importance of putting in the time to develop those skills. Whatever path you choose, continually seek out innovative ways to improve and refine your craft. Embrace creativity and experimentation, always pushing yourself to do better and explore new horizons.
What will help Features Editors increase their earning potential?
Associate Professor Thomas Franklin: The most valuable advice I could offer to someone embarking on a career in journalism and multimedia storytelling is to immerse yourself in a topic that truly captivates you and then pursue it relentlessly. Strive to become not just proficient, but truly passionate and knowledgeable about your chosen subject matter. By doing so, you'll naturally become somewhat of an expert in the field. I firmly believe in the importance of dedicating significant time and effort to your craft. As Malcolm Gladwell famously suggests, mastery often requires putting in around 10,000 hours of practice. So, start chipping away at that goal, knowing that with perseverance and dedication, great things are bound to happen. In addition to honing your expertise, focus on cultivating a wide network of sources. These individuals can provide you with story ideas, access to compelling characters, and unique opportunities. By building strong relationships within your community, you'll find yourself plugged into a network that can offer both exposure and new avenues for growth. But also cultivate a network of media professionals who do the kind of work that you aspire to do.
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Darren Phillips M.A.: First and foremost, I would advise journalists starting out to be curious and to read, read, and read some more. The best storytellers are voracious consumers of information — credible information — and they’re infinitely curious about world events, politics, history, and the like. Knowledge is power. It’s also marketability. Be an expert, or at least know enough about the wider world to be able to bring relevant context and nuance to your work. This requires you to read. For journalism students still in school, this also means taking elective courses in government and economics, geography, and other subjects outside your major that will help you make greater sense of complex topics. Reading and just a life-long commitment to learning are so important.
What will help Features Editors increase their earning potential?
Darren Phillips M.A.: Maximizing salary potential as a media professional starts with everything I’ve already mentioned. Journalists and even PR and advertising professionals must be extremely well informed on a broad range of topics. This starts with reading and just being a voracious media consumer. This also requires one to think critically, to consume media from disparate sources, to not shy away from contrarian viewpoints, and to work hard and in good faith to synthesize information responsibly. This ties in with maintaining strict allegiance to industry best practices including media ethics. Reputation is everything. Make sure your employers, prospective employers, and clients all understand and appreciate your professional integrity and just your commitment to truth and accuracy. Moreover, embrace change, lean into technological change, and become a bit of a techno geek. Work hard making contacts and building a professional network. Work hard, generally. Hard work goes a long way in any vocation. Beyond that, attend industry conferences, pay close attention to your online presence, curate your social media profiles carefully and put some real time and thought into things like your LinkedIn profile and online portfolio. Lastly, don’t be put off by rejection. Rejection comes with the territory in any competitive career field. Believe in yourself, stay positive, stay open minded, learn all you can, read like crazy, keep grinding, and success will follow eventually.
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Embarking on a career in news television broadcasting is a thrilling journey, filled with opportunities and challenges that will push you to grow and excel. The students must develop strong writing skills. I'd appreciate it if you could practice writing scripts for various news stories to hone your skills in delivering information effectively to your audience. They also need to focus on building a diverse demo reel. Showcase your versatility by gaining experience in different areas of broadcasting, such as reporting, anchoring, producing, and editing. And watch the news to stay informed. Stay updated on current events and what is going on in your community. Finally, practice your on-air presence. Practice in front of a camera and ask for feedback from mentors or peers. Work on your delivery, tone, and body language to build confidence and credibility on camera. One last thing, it's crucial to develop a thick skin. Journalism can be a demanding and sometimes stressful field. By developing resilience, you can handle criticism, rejection, and pressure with grace and composure, feeling more prepared for the challenges you may face.
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Students will need to become more digital and Social Media savvy. As digital platforms continue to reshape how audiences consume news and information, digital and social media proficiency will be increasingly crucial. However, Multimedia Storytelling must be a cornerstone of our industry. Integrating multimedia elements such as video, audio, graphics, and interactive elements will become more prevalent in broadcast journalism. Professionals who can tell compelling stories using a combination of multimedia formats will be in high demand. I always encourage students to enroll in Data Visualization courses. The ability to extract meaningful insights from data and present them visually engagingly will help broadcasters provide deeper insights and context to their stories. We must remember Mobile Journalism (MoJo). Using your mobile devices to capture, edit, and publish news content will become a standard for journalists. Last but not least, journalists must build meaningful connections with audiences through interactive storytelling, live chats, audience polls, and user-generated content will become increasingly important. Broadcasters who can foster active engagement and dialogue with their audience will be able to cultivate loyal viewership and build community around their content.
What will help Features Editors increase their earning potential?
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Let’s be honest. Your chances of becoming a millionaire in this broadcast industry are slim. Most recently graduated students in the news industry would likely move to a middle-of-nowhere market to start their careers. The pay will not be great, but the opportunities to gain valuable experience will be unique. However, there are some tips you should consider. For example, make sure you research the industry standards. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, or industry-specific salary surveys can provide valuable insights into salary ranges for different positions. Also, make sure that you highlight your skills and experience during your interview. Negotiate with confidence. Feel free to negotiate your salary offer. Remember that in addition to your salary, consider negotiating other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, vacation time, and professional development opportunities. It would be best to stay updated on industry trends impacting the demand for specific skills and expertise. Networking with industry professionals, mentors, and colleagues can provide valuable insights into salary trends, job openings, and potential career advancement opportunities. Of course, you must be willing to relocate. In some cases, being open to relocating to markets with higher demand for broadcast professionals can increase your salary potential.
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Ms. Amanda Brown: I'd suggest developing a resilient mindset. Journalism can be tough, often influenced by networking and chance rather than just skill. Don't let criticism discourage you; the industry is vast. Keep pushing forward, and you'll discover your niche where you feel at home.
What will help Features Editors increase their earning potential?
Ms. Amanda Brown: Changes in how people interact have made strong interview skills even more critical. Initiating with light conversation before tackling tough questions can significantly influence the outcome. Mastering active listening and effectively communicating with diverse individuals while staying neutral are essential. In journalism, the emphasis is on presenting facts objectively, allowing the story to shine without personal bias.
Assistant Amy Eisman
Assistant ProfessorAmerican University
Arts, Entertainment, And Media Management
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Assistant Amy Eisman: One skill is easy: be flexible. The technology is changing at lightning speed. At the moment, it helps to be strong at data journalism and understanding emergent technology, such as AI. Topic areas of interest include climate coverage, health and education. It also helps to be a great team player; the speed of news means you rarely work alone. Overall, make sure you embrace the basics in the field: accuracy, fairness, transparency, independence and accountability. Be a solid writer and an even better editor and producer. No one can predict what is next for technology. Employers therefore will look for people who uphold the values of the past, are enthusiastic about the present and are curious about the future.
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Assistant Amy Eisman: As others have said, the career track is a jungle gym, not a ladder. Acquire new skill sets wherever you go, then use them in the next job. And be great at whatever task you take on. Even if you are in an entry-level position, ace it, impress your colleagues, and be the person everyone wants on their team. The field is changing. That is not a secret. Many of the changes are overdue. There is more focus on trauma-informed reporting, for example, and on rethinking how we treat sources. There is more focus on bringing multiple voices into the fold and healthy debates about the role of identity. There is a deep focus, as there should be, on investigative journalism and on keeping citizens informed in a democracy. Be the best at your job. Don't burn bridges behind you.
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Joseph Valenzano III: Beginning a career must always come with the understanding that your first job is not your career, and it won’t pay you as much as you might think. Maximizing your potential in this scenario depends on many variables, some of which you cannot control. The ones you can control are the quality of your writing samples, having a record of published work in outlets (including the school paper), the clarity of your resume, and the strength of your interview. It also would be helpful to do homework on the market, the employer, and any data on comparisons you can collect. This can help you calibrate your expectations in advance of any offer. One don’t in this process: don’t expect to have a simple 9-5 job; going the extra mile when asked, and even when not asked, can help demonstrate your value to the employer and accelerate the rate of your growth in the industry as well.
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Valenzano III: Entering the field of journalism right now could seem like a daunting task, but if you approach it with the curiosity, tenacity and understanding that led you to the profession you will be successful. Do not be afraid to start at a small paper, magazine, or outlet. Good work breeds new opportunities, and so don’t write for what you think the reputation of the outlet is; rather write the best stories you can for your audience. If you make mistakes—and you will—own them, acknowledge them, fix them if you can, and use them to grow. Above all, do not ever stop writing. The best free throw shooters in basketball practice their craft every day. Writing is your craft, practice it. Finally, read and then read more. Reading makes you a better writer.
What will help Features Editors increase their earning potential?
Joseph Valenzano III: In the developing field of journalism some classic skills will never cease to be important, but new skills will also become more essential. Writing and the ability to edit your own work will always be crucial to a journalist, as will fact-checking and copyediting. Clean, accurate, engaging writing and the ability to interview and engage with sources and stories will always be the coin of the realm. That said, more and more journalists need to be well versed in multimedia skills and social media. Writing in these formats is different than writing in column spaces for a paper, and so learning how to translate stories to these media is becoming a skill that separates good journalists from great ones. Additionally, video skills such as editing and shooting for short formats is also becoming more important as journalists are often asked to do most, if not all, of the tasks associated with producing a video story.
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Damian Radcliffe: The three things I would emphasize are resilience, adaptability and being nice to work with. Resilience matters, because there is constant churn and disruption in many industries, including journalism. Many graduates find it harder to get their start than they realize, those that succeed – and keep succeeding – are resilient. They’re driven. They learn from knockbacks. Those are skills you will need throughout your career.
What will help Features Editors increase their earning potential?
Damian Radcliffe: I believe that a lot of core journalistic skills will remain important. That means having a strong news sense, being able to write well, the ability to produce content for multiple platforms and understanding ethics and media law.
Professor Margaret Oakes
Professor of EnglishFurman University
English Language And Literature
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Professor Margaret Oakes: Understand that you should be looking at a salary mid-career, not right now. And look at the possibility for promotion in your place of work - a small family business will not be able to or be interested in promoting you to a leadership position, so think about if you will need to move up or out.
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Margaret Oakes: The ability to read carefully and analytically. This is a skill that has declined in the past couple of decades as people obtain more information visually - but a visual presentation cannot carry the amount of detail that written language can, and carelessness in the use of language causes a world of problems in every area of human life (law, medicine, politics, etc.).
What will help Features Editors increase their earning potential?
Professor Margaret Oakes: Our graduates have such a variety of careers with an English major that this is hard to answer. But perhaps this is the answer - English majors have such widely applicable skills that they need to be alert to how they can be applied almost anywhere, and be prepared to sell their skills to a potential employer.
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Catherine Wilbur: The best way to maximize salary earnings is to complete the highest level of education in your chosen field. The average salary for someone with a bachelor's degree in English is around $59,124 per year, while someone with a master's degree in English can expect to earn around $69,732 per year.
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Catherine Wilbur: Even with the advancement of AI, among the most essential competencies are the ability to think critically and solve problems, to effectively both orally and in writing, to assess and analyze information, and to exercise curiosity and imagination. One recent study showed that college graduates spend, on average, 44% of their time writing, including letters, memos, short reports, instructional materials, and professional articles and essays. Additionally, even as people use generative AI to draft documents, they still need to be edited and proofread by a person to ensure that they are accurate and contain no biased information.
What will help Features Editors increase their earning potential?
Catherine Wilbur: For advice, find something you're passionate about. Not all English majors want to be teachers, and that's ok. There are 100s of other career paths for English majors. Such as lawyers, copyeditors, speechwriters, journalists, politicians, business, etc. Explore the different jobs out there that you may be qualified for with an English degree.
Betsy Hays
ChairCalifornia State University, Fresno
Department of Media, Communications and Journalism
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Betsy Hays: Study the successes and failures of others so you can learn best practices based on real life. And practice being a content creator. Write, take photos, create graphics, produce videos - practice sharing information and telling stories in a myriad of ways. And when you have some good stuff, share it publicly (blog, YouTube channel, social media, podcast, etc.) to learn what people respond to. And monitor trends. There are also a number of free or low-cost certifications that you can obtain as well. And one more - volunteer for a cause you believe in to make the world a better place while learning new skills.
What general advice would you give to a Features Editor?
Betsy Hays: Do informational interviews to build your network. Ask folks about their career path, the scope of their jobs, their biggest successes, advice they have for someone just starting out, etc. And then ask if they have ideas for other people that would be good to talk to. And then keep going! Also, be obsessed with thank you notes.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Features Editors?
Gayle Rogers: Definitely. First-year students had the strangest introduction to college one could imagine-nothing like what "college" is supposed to be. And they are still living it, with remote classes, social distancing, and few of the in-person bonding experiences that we associate with college as a whole. That will never be erased from their memories. Students who just graduated or are graduating this spring, on the other hand, are taking with them those distinct experiences into the workplace, graduate or professional schools-wherever life takes them. (It pains many of us, as teachers and administrators, that they did not have the robust graduation celebration that we all wanted them to have.) They will remember how their college experience was shaped by the pandemic, of course, but they will also have bonded with one another in uniquely difficult ways.
Aaron DeRosa Ph.D.
Associate Professor, 20th/21st C. American LiteratureCalifornia State Polytechnic University, Pomona
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Features Editors?
Aaron DeRosa Ph.D.: Many of our students work and go to school at the same time, so the pandemic's impact is being lived right now. The pandemic only exacerbates problems already embedded in the labor market: a move toward contingent labor and freelance work. This generation of graduates will be asked to continue jumping from job to job, never allowed to settle into a "career." The flip side is that the precarity of these jobs and their ability to move through different work environments will make them more versatile critical thinkers and more compassionate people.
What technical skills for a Features Editor stand out to employers?
Aaron DeRosa Ph.D.: English majors find homes in every major industry because they are trained to think about the precision of language and its impact, to critically think through problems and imagine the implications of the projects they work on, and to conduct sound research while being critical of the material they encounter. They do this whether the field is technical writing, advertising, law, journalism, publishing, teaching, retail, or whatever new positions arise in the years to come.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Features Editors?
Jason Whittaker Ph.D.: With regard to whether there will be an enduring impact of the pandemic on graduates, the glib answer is, of course, it must be. What I would emphasise, however, is that after nearly a year teaching under very constrained conditions the changes are not simply negative ones - or rather, students are already learning to adapt. Among journalists, it's becoming quite clear that what we're witnessing in part is a rapid acceleration of trends that were already beginning to take place, with reporters being expected to be more mobile and work remotely. For those students who are engaging actively, we're seeing a greater takeup of mobile skills and those required for accessing and interviewing sources remotely.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Features Editors?
Patricia Hastings: I think there will be some enduring impacts on graduating journalism students in a number of ways. Right now, there are some obstacles to negotiate. The first is the jobs situation. First, many newsrooms don't have internships right now, and so students can't get that extra experience that will ultimately help them land a job. I see seniors who have some, but not enough experience and they need that last push outside of the classroom and campus media. Without that, it makes job hunting more difficult. Of course, there are the economic issues. So many places have downsized their newsrooms and that is a problem. Graduates have to be nimble, too, in terms of having a good toolbox of skills. Now, if you want a job, go into TV news producing. You can't find enough people to fill what is out there. There are TV news reporting jobs out there as well. It comes down to networking and having a "reel" or examples of your work to show.
And then there are the impacts we don't know. Many staffers are working from home. Will jobs change so more reporters work from home? How do you balance that with the fact that reporters should be out covering stories? The pandemic is causing a rethink on the office of the future-space, risk and other areas that we can only guess at right now.
What type of skills will young Features Editors need?
Patricia Hastings: Young graduates will need a few skills outside of the usual ones for a good journalism job. They will have to be able to interview for jobs via Zoom or whatever system is used. That's a different skill set than being in person. I also believe students will have to work harder to "brand" themselves. Why should someone hire you? Do the resume and work examples say "I am the go to person for getting this done?" Make an elevator pitch for yourself and see how hard it is to do. The usual skills still need to be there-video, social, maybe audio-because that's what it takes today.
I also think graduates needs to be aware of the information that's out there, and be suspicious or know enough to check for accuracy. If a photo is digitally manipulated, will you know? How can you tell? In my opinion, this is maybe the biggest skill needed. What is balanced and researched as to what is created to satisfy some agenda? This has and will continue to be an area to watch.
What experience really stands out on Features Editor resumes?
Patricia Hastings: The experience I think everyone needs is video, for those who aren't going into that area. Everyone uses video. Having an understanding of how to make your message or story translate to video is important and it's not that easy to do. That, and the ability to enterprise story ideas. Actually taking an idea and turning into a story for online, or broadcast or print is key. You can't tell the story the same way for each one, and so to analyze and then make a good story is important.
What type of skills will young Features Editors need?
David Faldet: Those college years of reading, writing, and discussing literature mean English majors have three skills business leaders want: creativity, the ability to communicate well, and the empathy that can set a person or a business apart. Creativity is crucial in a time of change such as this one, and as employers look to transform their business model. Good communication is basic within a business and in reaching out to the market. Empathy is there to make sure communication matters and reaches a receptive audience.
What Features Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rachel Estabrook: If a graduate needs to take a gap year, I'd suggest they try to establish a freelancing relationship with a news outlet they want to work for. There's no better way to get on a hiring manager's radar than to show them your work. Pitch some stories you think would expand the news outlet's coverage. Or, if you're not ready for that yet or can't afford to do that, spend your free time reading about a topic that interests you that you want to report on, and think about how you'd want to cover those stories, so you're ready to pitch when the time comes to apply for jobs. Or, spend your time building your technical skills. Data reporting skills are really valuable in newsrooms, as are coding skills. In radio, get familiar with audio editing. You can use free software online and record on a phone; the barrier to entry in audio is low. Experiment and build your portfolio so you can demonstrate interest when the time comes to apply for jobs.